Earplug with light element

ABSTRACT

Described herein is an earplug having a lighting element. The earplug comprises a first end with a removable tip and a second end having a light source configured to illuminate the second end and at least the ear, wherein the light source illumination indicates the presence of the earplug being worn and placed properly. The light source is preferably a color changing light emitting diode (LED).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/234434 filed 18 Aug. 2021 to the above-named inventor of which the disclosure is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to earplugs configured to reduce noise and including a light element that illuminates at least a portion of the earplug that is visible from an exterior of the ear canal. More particularly, the invention of the present disclosure relates to a noise cancelling earplug configured for receipt in an ear canal for suppressing sound and including a light emitting diode for illuminating at least a visible portion of the earplug.

BACKGROUND

Within various environments, such as, but not limited to, work sites, factories, concerts, or operating machinery it is essential to wear ear protection. This ear protection is utilized to suppress noise from entering the car canal to protect the hearing of a user and possible damage to the anatomical structures of the ear. Currently, ear protection is generally provided in the form of foam, siliconized, or plasticized earplug or an over-ear covering device. General usage patterns indicate that earplugs are preferred due to their inconspicuous nature and ability to be worn in a manner that is not as cumbersome as the over the ear style devices. While currently available earplugs are generally effective, they are lacking some features that may be desired for certain users, such as increased visibility and illumination capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention can most generally be described as an earplug for noise cancelling/suppression that includes a light element for illumination of the earplug and a general region surrounding the earplug. Accordingly, each earplug of a pair of earplugs of the present disclosure includes a power source coupled to a light source for selectively illuminating the light source. In the preferred assembly of the present disclosure, the power source is a button-style battery, such as, but not limited to a Zinc-air battery in a coupling with a light emitting diode (LED) positioned on an end of each earplug. In an alternate embodiment, this power source is rechargeable and may include integration within a case for charging the power source.

Each ear plug of the pair of earplugs is generally provided in a shape that defines a pair of opposed ends. A first end of the device is configured for receipt within an ear canal of a user and a second end opposite the first end and including the light element, wherein the device is generally selected to have a length that positions the second end exterior to the ear canal so as to make the light element visible and exterior the ear canal. The first end of the device may include an attachment surface for the placement of a plurality of removable/replaceable tips to accommodate various anatomical ear canal sizes for a particular user.

The device of the present disclosure is most generally configured to provide an indicator or indication that a user is wearing hearing protection. Accordingly, the visibility of the light element indicates proper placement of the device and illuminates the device itself.

Still further, the light element of the device may be provided in a multitude of various individual diodes or a single diode having color changing capabilities.

In alternate embodiments of the device, the device may include an acoustic filter or noise filter within the interior space of the device. To accommodate the function of the noise filter, the device exterior portion may include an aperture to allow for blocked sound to reach the filter. Accordingly, the filter may be modified or selected to combat certain types or decibels levels of a given noise.

In further alternate embodiments, the device may include additional electronic components in the form of speakers, receivers, transmitters, communicators and other common electronic components used in headphones, wherein the device may block noise and play audio from a connected device.

Still further, the device illumination feature may include a design element, wherein the light element may be specific illuminated design such as, but not limited to, a logo, slogan, shape, message, monogram, or other similar design.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a pair of alternate embodiments of the earplug with light element, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an earplug with light element having a rechargeable power source and case for charging the rechargeable power source, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the earplug with light element, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the earplug with light element including an acoustic filter, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Following are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

The invention of the present disclosure can most generally be described as an earplug for placement within an ear canal for suppressing noise and including a light source visible from an exterior of the ear canal during wearing of the earplug.

Referring to the figures, FIGS. 1-4 shows an earplug with light element according to the present disclosure and generally referred to herein as the device 10. The device 10 is most generally configured as a noise reduction/suppression device configured for receipt within an ear canal of a user. The device 10 is generally tubular in a shape with a housing 100 defining an interior space and comprising a pair of opposed ends in the form of a first end 101 and a second end 102. A distance between the first end 101 and the second end 102 defining a length of the device 10. The device 10 first end 101 including a removable tip portion 110 and is configured for receipt within various sizes and anatomical shapes of ear canals. The tip portion 110 generally creates a seal at the first end 101 between the device 10 and the ear canal to suppress noise and includes capabilities to receive several sizes and shapes of tips to accommodate various shapes and sizes of ear canals. Accordingly, this removable tip portion 110 is preferably constructed of a resilient material, such as, but not limited to, rubbers, silicones, or other similar materials.

The second end 102 of the device includes the light source 120, wherein this light source 120 is placed within the interior space 100 and coupled to a power source 103 and configured so as to illuminate the second end 102 of the device 10 when directed by a user by operating a switch 104. The light source 120 is preferably a light emitting diode that has the ability to change into a plurality of colors selected by a user during operation of the device 10.

The housing 100 may be comprised of a transparent or translucent material to allow for the transmission of light from the interior of the housing 100 to the exterior of the housing 100 at the second end 102. The housing 100 includes the various electronic components, including, but not limited to, the power source 103, the switch 104, and various circuitry to facilitate operation. The device 10 power source 103 may be a battery, such as a commonly available button style battery, such as, but not limited to a Zinc-air battery or AG2 sized alkaline or lithium-based battery. Alternately the power source 103 may be of a rechargeable type, wherein the device 10 may include a case 200 for receiving a pair of earplugs 10 within the case 200 including a second power source 201 for charging the power source 103 of the individual earplug device 10. The case 200 may include a charging element 202 to couple with the earplugs 10 at an exterior of the housing 100, wherein the charging element 202 comprises electronical contacts configured for coupling to corresponding pair of electrical contacts positioned on the housing 100 of the earplugs 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4 of an alternate embodiment of the device 10. The device 10 is provided with a noise filter or as it is commonly referred, an acoustic filter 111 positioned adjacent the first end 101. The acoustic filter 111 received within the housing 100 interior and selected to block a certain type or level of noise. The acoustic filter 111 in communication with a pathway within the interior space through an aperture 121 in the second end 102, wherein a given noise is directed through the aperture 121 and the filter 111 before reaching the interior ear of a wearer.

In further alternate embodiments of the device 10, the light source 120 may be a design element, such as, but not limited to, an illuminated design, logo, slogan, shape, message, monogram, or other similar design. Still further, the device 10 device may include additional electronic components in the form of speakers, receivers, transmitters, communicators, and other common electronic components used in headphones, wherein the device may block noise and play audio from a connected device.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

1. A noise suppression earplug device, the earplug device comprising: a first end; the first end having a tip portion, the tip portion configured for receipt within an ear canal of a wearer for securing the device; and a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a light element, the light element configured to illuminate the ear, wherein the light element is visible to indicate placement of the noise suppression earplug.
 2. The noise suppression earplug of claim 1, wherein the light element is a light emitting diode.
 3. The noise suppression earplug of claim 2, wherein the light element is capable of changing color.
 4. The noise suppression earplug of claim 1, wherein the tip portion is removable.
 5. The noise suppression earplug of claim 4, wherein the tip portion is comprised of a resilient material.
 6. The noise suppression earplug of claim 1, wherein the device includes a power source coupled to the light element.
 7. The noise suppression earplug of claim 6, wherein the power source is a Zinc-air battery.
 8. The noise suppression earplug of claim 6, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.
 9. An earplug device for noise suppression, the earplug device comprising: a housing, the housing generally being tubular in shape and comprising: a first end; the first end having a tip portion, the tip portion configured for receipt within an ear canal of a wearer for securing the device; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a light element, the light element configured to illuminate the ear, wherein the light element is visible to indicate placement of the noise suppression earplug; and a power source, the power source coupled to the light element and capable of illuminating the light source when directed.
 10. The earplug of claim 9, wherein the light element is a light emitting diode.
 11. The earplug of claim 10, wherein the light element is capable of changing color.
 12. The earplug of claim 9, wherein the tip portion is removable.
 13. The earplug of claim 12, wherein the tip portion is comprised of a resilient material.
 14. The earplug of claim 9, wherein the power source is a Zinc-air battery.
 15. The earplug of claim 9, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.
 16. An earplug device for noise suppression, the earplug device comprising: a housing, the housing generally being tubular in shape and comprising: a first end; the first end having a removable tip portion, the removable tip portion configured for receipt within an ear canal of a wearer for securing the device; a second end opposite the first end, the second end being translucent and having a light element visible from an exterior of the housing, the light element configured to illuminate the ear, wherein the light element is visible to indicate placement of the earplug; and a power source, the power source coupled to the light element and capable of illuminating the light source when directed.
 17. The earplug of claim 16, wherein the light element is a light emitting diode.
 18. The earplug of claim 17, wherein the light element is capable of changing color.
 19. The earplug of claim 16, wherein the power source is a Zinc-air battery.
 20. The earplug of claim 16, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery. 